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I'm looking for a good side by side comparison picture of hydraulic versus mechanical pulley set up - anyone have a link to one??

Also, can the A/C be one, and the main belt be another type - one hydraulic and one mechanical?

Thanks for the info.

No such thing as hydraulic for A/C belt.

Look at the area and you'll see the long snout sticking out if you have hydraulic.
And if you have a hydraulic, I'd consider replacing the whole unit. The pistons do wear out.
I noticed mine was bobbling up and down when idling, so I replaced it.
Runs rock steady once again.

This is the confusing part, as Mango lists on his list an option for hydraulic or mechanical for A/C but not for the main belt.

Searching his part number on realoem for belt tensioner (11281748131) results in a hydraulic tensioner pulley. He then lists the alternator deflector part number, and then two for the A/C - one hydro and one mech.

Is this a good kit if i want to overhaul my cooling system completely? http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-328...Kit/ES2497307/ And will this kit be cheaper than ordering separate parts from Realoem? I was also thinking about ordering a fan clutch and a new fan blade too!!!

Is this a good kit if i want to overhaul my cooling system completely? http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-328...Kit/ES2497307/ And will this kit be cheaper than ordering separate parts from Realoem? I was also thinking about ordering a fan clutch and a new fan blade too!!!

Yeah, its a good kit. You are overpaying by at least $400 though. If you shop RMEuropean and BMA Auto Parts you will find the exact products for half the price if you put them together yourself.

I just put together a kit similar to this for my 330XI and the total cost was $550. It takes time to research part numbers, make sure you have everything included, etc, but $400 is $400 if ya know what I mean.

Well I got everything in the mail now, including a new radiator. I know my thermostat is bad as I got the CEL and the car is running cold. I have to admit, I am hesitant now to start replacing everything else as I have ZERO leaks or any other problems with the coolant system or belts or pulleys.

I like to stock up on the parts I may need and replace them when they begin to go. Convince me please why I should do this proactively? I need a nudge in that direction. I mean I want to do it, but I'm a little hesitant as I'm scared that I'll create problems by going in and replacing stuff that ain't broke. I bought this particular car with 107,000 miles (it has 120k now) and came with NO maintenance history - although I know the belts at least were replaced at some point as they are CARQUEST stamped.

Well I got everything in the mail now, including a new radiator. I know my thermostat is bad as I got the CEL and the car is running cold. I have to admit, I am hesitant now to start replacing everything else as I have ZERO leaks or any other problems with the coolant system or belts or pulleys.

I like to stock up on the parts I may need and replace them when they begin to go. Convince me please why I should do this proactively? I need a nudge in that direction. I mean I want to do it, but I'm a little hesitant as I'm scared that I'll create problems by going in and replacing stuff that ain't broke. I bought this particular car with 107,000 miles (it has 120k now) and came with NO maintenance history - although I know the belts at least were replaced at some point as they are CARQUEST stamped.

Help.

Failures don't always come with warnings. If you have no prior history for the car, truth is you don't know how many miles or how much time is on the parts. Given that your engine can be destroyed with an overheat, you'll have to decide whether or not it is worth it to spend $500 now or possibly spend $3,000 + 1 to 2 weeks of down time later.

After doing the project last week, I would not recommend that you replace the thermostat without doing the hoses also. How old is the expansion tank, water pump and radiator? The connections on the radiator are plastic, so you need to be gentle when you replace the hoses. You have 120K on a 2005 compared to 118K on my 2001, I see that as more wear in a shorter period of time and think that a overhaul is in order. The cooling system is nothing to tempt to fail, it will make you crazy. Hell, I checked the coolant level every time I went out to drive it for the eight days since doing my refresh. But when you're finished, you shouldn't need to mess with it for 3-4 years. Just move on to other projects.

Yeah I hear ya. and the fact that BMW had ZERO history on the car (not even the free maint was done at a BMW shop) and that the PO put on CARQUEST belts - what other shoddy stuff was done - or NOT done in this case. I'm getting ready to crack a Sam Adams and get this thing going...tonight! Thanks for the voice of reason guys!

Yeah I hear ya. and the fact that BMW had ZERO history on the car (not even the free maint was done at a BMW shop) and that the PO put on CARQUEST belts - what other shoddy stuff was done - or NOT done in this case. I'm getting ready to crack a Sam Adams and get this thing going...tonight! Thanks for the voice of reason guys!

No problem! Having a solid car with parts you installed yourself is always reassuring. I never doubt my car when I open the door and turn the key